Fall
Mountain Run '98 |
| It's that time of year when the
days get a little shorter, the air gets a little crisper, and nature gets much more
colorful. It's fall again in the Carolinas. The season that creates a fever for the
mountain scenery, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and good fellowship. Put it all together and you
have the annual Sandlapper Fall Mountain Run. Home to this event is the Big Lynn Lodge, located on a mountainside with a breath-taking view in Little Switzerland, NC. Good, warm, family country cooking is very welcoming after finishing the drive up in the cool darkness. Familiar faces start to emerge from the dining room, one by one. After dinner, we find ourselves settling in on a long wooden porch,better known as Rocking Chair Row, that spans the length of a group of cabins. There are people from many parts of the country, New Jersey, Ohio, and Connecticut to name a few, and many walks of life. A fine wine or a good German beer will always make conversations a little more interesting. But soon it will be time to turn in for the night so that nature's alarm clock, the big bright star that climbs up and over the misty mountain top, will awaken us to a warmer and fun filled day of Bimmering. Morning's light fills the sky ever so brightly. The colors of the mountains are barely visible behind the mist that is settling in the valley below. The breakfast bell rings, signaling the beginning of the day's adventures. A full tank of fuel from a great breakfast at the lodge gave us an energetic start. We received a quick overview of our run path, and we were on our way for a little game of follow the leader — bonzai style! A short and twisty climb takes us to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road is tight and curvy, though our ultimate driving machines make it comfortable enough for us to "stretch out our legs". From hitting apexes, to straightening the esses, and climbing the corkscrew road, the surrounding scenery seems to look like a very familiar M1 Art Car. Ahh, a moment to regroup and relax. But not for too long, for we are off again like a roller coaster.
About fifty miles later, we find ourselves in Spruce Pine. We drive into front row parking at Tall Paul's Italian Restaurant. How tall is Tall Paul, you ask? About 6'-6 1/2", (but we were not the ones to ask him, Trip). Once inside, the lunch buffet starts calling to you. A good Italian meal sure can make your mind relaxes after such an intense morning. Outside, the town center is the setting for a sun and fun fall festival. Everything from hand made scented soap to mass manufactured hot rods were there to be seen, shown, and sold. After a little browsing, it is time to hop back in the Bimmer and regroup at the lodge for the last leg of the tour. It is announced that we will be going on a hike to see a waterfall. A short drive leads us to the foot of the trail. With camera in hand, we set out to rediscover nature's beauty. Through a half mile or so of leaf covered grass, we reach the end of our trail. And what an end it is! A giant mound of earth with clear blue water gently rushing down its self-made slide. A site to behold. But some people wanted more (one in particular). They wanted to be a part of this setting and conquer it. The scaling of the waterfall had begun, and ended not too long after. They did, however, manage to conquer it, but with a more sensible approach. After a unique photo opportunity with the daring Sandlappers atop the waterfall, we hike back to the Bimmers and head to the lodge for a well-deserved dinner. Rocking Chair Row becomes comfortable very fast after a hearty dinner from the lodge. An after-dinner drink seems to take that nip out of the night air. If you are not sure what to talk about, just wait. With all of the conversations going on, somebody will cross something that you are familiar with. One interesting conversation included the words "Sandlapper" and "Driver School" in the same sentence. So yes, there is a first for everything. But as the air gets cooler and darkness has well set in, it is time to call it a night. We are awoken by yet another beautiful sunrise. A morning stroll on a mountainside can do the mind and spirit wonders. After breakfast, we gather for a brief meeting to discuss future Club events and plans, and to say goodbye to an exceptional weekend, thanks to the Club and its members. For some, it is now time to turn back home. For others, a more strenuous hike, cave exploring, or a slower paced scenic look from the Blue Ridge Parkway is in store. Whatever path you chose, we hope you had as much fun this weekend as we did. And for those who passed up the opportunity to join us, hopefully you will come out with us next year. Words just can not say enough. Until then, Bimmer safely……………….
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